UW to offer first all-online degree-completion program

The University of Washington will start an all-online degree program in early-childhood education this fall.

The University of Washington will begin offering its first all-online degree program this fall, allowing about 100 students to earn a bachelor’s degree in early-childhood education without having to attend classes in person.  Click here for the full article.....

Design Your Dream Teaching Job

According to the recently released MetLife Survey of the American Teacher, more than half of teachers are at least somewhat interested in taking on hybrid roles that combine classroom teaching and other responsibilities in their school or district, with 23 percent saying they are "extremely" or "very" interested in this option.  Meanwhile, 51 percent of teachers currently hold leadership positions in their schools, such as "department chair, instructional resource, teacher mentor, or leadership team member."  Find out more here 

Free Webinar this Saturday at 9 am by MomsRising.org

Best Practices for Using Screen Media with Young Children!
Meeting Description:
Screens!   From cell phones to tablets, television to computers, we are surrounded by screens and so are our kids.

Ever wonder what and when children learn from screens?  Looking for some tips or some best practices for screen use?

Here's the event for you!  You dont even have to leave the house (or find parking) to attend - you can even listen in your PJ's.  All you need is a  phone and an internet connection.

Join us, this Saturday at 9:00 am for an exclusive (and free) webinar with the University of Washington's Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences (I-LABS) where we'll explore child development and screen time and learn some practical tips.

Click here to register

Online classes may worsen educational achievement gap, study shows

A study of online courses at Washington Community Colleges shows that students who are already struggling do worse in those courses than in courses taught in classrooms.  But Washington schools are working to try to change the numbers.  Find out more here. 

Survey Suggests Hurdles for Math, Science Teaching

Mismatch seen in classroom practices, standards

A rich new set of survey data on math and science teachers highlights some big challenges the nation faces if it hopes to significantly increase student achievement in those disciplines. It also drives home, experts say, the huge need to support teachers as districts begin implementing the common-core math standards, and as an effort to develop common standards for science nears completion.

http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2013/03/13/24math.h32.html?tkn=RSLFRO3OJ6Gi9usIHTVEWQMxt%2Fjzt%2BDH42nf&cmp=ENL-EU-NEWS2

Washington Begins Pilot Test of Next-Generation Student Assessments

In the coming weeks, some schools in Washington state will participate in the pilot test of the new “Smarter Balanced” assessments.  Find out more

WWU Diversity in Education Conference

Western Washington University is celebrating Diversity in Education.  The conference is at WWU Bellingham Campus on Friday, May 3^rd 2013.  This conference is designed to attract and support educators from underrepresented groups.  We expect a mix of high school, community college, WWU students, and instructional assistants to attend.

The planning committee and I are searching for workshop presenters to volunteer their expertise for this cause. If you might be interested in presenting, please read the attached info for presenters and view the workshop proposal form. The deadline for proposals is Friday, March 15^th.

For general information about the conference, visit our website: http://www.wce.wwu.edu/DiversityinEd/. Please feel free to begin spreading the word about this event to your students as well! 

Registration Is Now Open

May 1-3, 2013

24^th Annual Assessment, Teaching and Learning Conference

Spokane, WA

Get more information here 

Former Seattle School Board president, 8 others named to state charter school commission

Officials announced the nine members of the state's new charter-school commission on Wednesday, taking the next step in setting up a structure for the just-approved independent, but public schools.

The members, three each appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor and state House speaker, will manager and oversee the state's first 40 charters, which were approved in November.  The members will serve four-year terms.  Find out more here